Recall 21V547 affects 267 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 buses for parking-brake switch failure. Repair is free at a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 267 2021-2022 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses because the parking brake activation switch can fail to set the parking brake. That failure can allow unintended movement and increase the risk of a crash; Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The parking brake activation switch in the 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is part of the Bendix Intellipark parking brake system. The driver uses the dash switch to command the system to set the parking brake, and the Dash Electronic Control Unit, or DECU, passes that command through the brake control system. Its job is simple: hold the bus in place when it is parked.
On affected buses, a fault in the Intellipark system prevents the parking brake command from being completed. The switch is pressed, but the system does not set the parking brake as intended. That leaves the bus dependent on other measures to stay still after the driver expects the parking brake to be applied.
The warning sign is on the switch itself. A red LED flashes when the system detects a parking brake fault, which tells the driver the parking brake system needs service before the bus is treated as securely parked.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2021 and 2022 model years with the same dash electronic control unit switch.
| 2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Switch |
|---|---|
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Switch |
| Units affected | 267 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unintended vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash, especially when the parking brake system does not hold as expected. A flashing red LED in the switch signals a detected park brake fault. If that light appears, park on level ground, set the brake, and contact a Thomas Built Buses dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free DECU software update that corrects the parking brake activation switch issue.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, ask the dealer to reference recall number 21V547 and DTNA recall FL-896.
- Keep the bus secured when parked until the repair is complete, since unintended movement increases crash risk.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions before the appointment.
What happens at the repair
At a Thomas Built Buses authorized service facility, a Thomas Built Buses technician updates the Dash Electronic Control Unit software parameter tied to the parking brake activation switch. The update is free under the recall, and parts and labor are covered. The work is meant to correct the DECU setting so the parking brake switch can set the parking brake as intended. Ask the service desk to confirm recall FL-896 is open on your VIN before the bus is brought in.
Timeline
| July 20, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 14, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 17, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| September 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 17, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V547?
Recall 21V547 covers 267 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with a parking brake activation switch that fails to set the parking brake. Unintended vehicle movement increases crash risk. Thomas Built Buses dealers will update the Dash Electronic Control Unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 21V547. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the Dash Electronic Control Unit software update. Reference recall number 21V547 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 21V547, Thomas Built Buses dealers update the Dash Electronic Control Unit software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended vehicle movement. If the parking brake activation switch fails to set the parking brake, the bus can move when it is expected to stay parked, increasing crash risk.
When were owners notified about recall 21V547?
Owner notification letters were mailed on September 14, 2021. If you manage or own a 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and never received a notice, check your VIN and call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V547000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V547 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V547000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →